10 of the Top Pop Songs of All Time

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What is the formula for the top pop songs? Some of the most important things include a good beat, a catchy melody, touching lyrics, and a good voice. However, you could have all these things and still not have one of the top pop songs. In the end of the day, there is a big of magic involved in making a hit song. With that in mind check out below for 10 of the top pop songs of all time.

#10: Bill Haley and His Comets: ‘Rock Around the Clock’ (1954)

“Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley and His Comets is one of the top pop songs of all time. In fact, some have called it “the National Anthem of Rock ‘n’ Roll.”^[1]Ultimate Classic Rock – THE HISTORY OF ‘ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK’: HOW A B-SIDE BECAME A ROCK CLASSIC

It was so popular that in 1955, it ranked as the No. 2 song on the Billboard rankings.

At the time, the song became the anthem for the rebellious youth of the 1950s. Perhaps nothing better represents this than the refrain

We’re gonna rock around the clock tonight
Were gonna rock, rock, rock, ’til broad daylight
We’re gonna rock, gonna rock, around the clock tonight

However, more than just that, it is the song that brought rock and roll into mainstream culture around the world.

#9: The Monkees: ‘I’m a Believer’ (1966)

https://youtu.be/W83InivbUSQ

“I’m a Believer” by the Monkees is one of the top pop songs of all time. However, how it came about was very different than many other songs.

The song rose to the number one spot on the U.S. Billboards on December 31, 1966, and stayed there for 7 weeks. It was also number 1 in the UK Singles Chart from 4 weeks in January and Feburary of 1967. In addition, it also reached the top spot in several other countries including Australia, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand.

In fact, they originally started out as “a TV show about an imaginary band…that wanted to be the Beatles that was never successful”.^[2]Cleveland – Monkee Micky Dolenz loves science, excels in all forms of entertainment Ironicially, the TV band ended up becoming one of the most successful bands of the 60s.

To this day the song remains very popular. For example, the refrain below has been featured in many movies including Shrek.

Then I saw her face, now I’m a believer
Not a trace of doubt in my mind.
I’m in love, I’m a believer!
I couldn’t leave her if I tried.

#8: “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson

“Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson is not only one of the top pop songs of all time, it is also one of Michael Jackson’s most iconic singles.^[3]TimeOut – The best pop songs of all time

In fact, when it came out in 1983 it helped propel Michael Jackson’s album Thriller to the best selling album of all time. At the time, it rose to the top of the Billboard charts and stayed in the first spot for 7 weeks. In addition, it also hit the number one spot in the UK and several other countries in Europe.

The famous refrain below was supposed to have come from Jackson’s own experience with a crazed fan.

Billie Jean is not my lover
She’s just a girl who claims that I am the one
But the kid is not my son
She says I am the one, but the kid is not my son

At the time, the song was unique for is spare bass driven style which came to be known as post sould pop music. In addition, in the music video, the clothing style such as white sequined gloves and dance style such as the moonwalk became very popular and copied.

#7: “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey

“Don’t Stop Believing”by Journey is one of the top pop songs of all time. In fact, Mike DeGagne of AllMusic describes the song as a “perfect rock song” and an “anthem” with “one of the best opening keyboard riffs in rock.”^[4]All Music – Journey Escape

When it came out in 1981, it reached the number 9 spot on the Billboard list. With one of the most famous rock choruses, as shown below, the song continues to be sung today.

Don’t stop believin’
Hold on to the feelin’
Streetlights people

In fact, the song has been featured in many things including TV shows such as Scrubs, Cold Case, and The Sopranos. For example, it was used as a song in the popular video game Rock Band. In addition, it has become the rallying cry for several professional sports teams including the following baseball teams: Chicago White Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Los Angeles Dodgers. As such, in 2009, it reached number 6 on the Billboard charts.

#6: “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” by the Backstreet Boys

“Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” by the Backstreet Boys is one of the top pop songs to come out of the 90s. The song was the 1st single for their 2nd international album Backstreet’s Back in 1997, and their 3rd single from their debut U.S. album in 1998.

The song is famous for its catchy chorus

Everybody
Rock your body
Everybody
Rock your body right
Backstreet’s back alright

in addition to its music video which is a parody of horror films along the lines of Michael Jackson’s Thriller.^[5]Interview with Backstreet Boys, management, and others from Entertainment Weekly 10th Anniversary Issue.

#5: “It’s Gonna Be Me” by ‘N Sync

“It’s Gonna Be Me” by ‘N Sync is one of the top pop songs every from a boy band. In fact, when it came out on June 12, 2000, it quickly rose to the top of the Billboard charts making it the first and only song from the group to do so.

The popular chorus, shown below, was catchy and relateable.

Never seems enough for you
You don’t wanna lose it again (don’t wanna lose it)
But I’m not like them
Baby, when you finally (baby when you finally)
Get to love somebody
Guess what (guess what)
It’s gonna be me^[6]Metro Lyrics – Nsync It’s Gonna Be Me Lyrics

One of the things that made the song so popular was its music video. In the video, each member of the group was a large plastic toy of themselves in a large toy store. In fact, the video became so popular that actual dolls, similar to the ones that they played in the video, were made for sale.

#4: “Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears

The 1998 song, “Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears is one of the top pop songs of all time. In addition, it helped launched the 16 year old former Mousketeer to celebrity status.^[7]TimeOut – The best pop songs of all time

In fact, it is one of the best selling records of all time with over 10 million copies sold.

The lyrics

My loneliness is killing me (and I)
I must confess I still believe (still believe)
When I’m not with you I lose my mind
Give me a sign
Hit me baby one more time

and costumes in the music video have inspired many other music aritists to copy her style as well. However, Britney Spears and her song have also permeated other parts of popular culture including Halloween costumes.

#3: “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston

“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston is one of most iconic and top pop songs of all time.

When the song came out it received mixed critical reviews. Many critics said it sounded very similar to her previous song “How Will I Know” and Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” However, despite this, the song was commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard charts (the 4th of her songs to do so) in the US as well as in Australia, Italy, Germany, and the UK. In addition, it sold over 1 million copies, making it her first platinum single.^[8]Billboard – Whitney Houston’s 20 Biggest Billboard Hits: A Look at Her Legendary Chart Career

With a catchy chorus

Oh, I wanna dance with somebody
I wanna feel the heat with somebody
Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody
With somebody who loves me

the song was and still is popular to sing and dance to.

#2: “Like a Prayer” by Madonna

“Like a Prayer” by Madonna is one of her top pop songs of all time.^[9]Blender – The 500 Greatest Songs Since You Were Born

In addition, the song was a chance for Madonna to take a more personal approach to her music and write for a more adult audience.

In addition, the song incorporated gospel and pop rock using liturgical words with dual sexual meanings. This is best shown in the famous chorus of the song

When you call my name it’s like a little prayer
I’m down on my knees, I wanna take you there
In the midnight hour I can feel your power
Just like a prayer you know I’ll take you there

“Like a Prayer” was both a great critical and commercial success. It was Madonna’s 7th number one single on the Billboard list. In addition, it reached the number one place in several other countries including: Australia, Canada, Italy, Spain, and New Zealand.

#1: “Thriller” by Michael Jackson

“Thriller” by Michael Jackson is one of the most recognized top pop songs of all time. In fact, it is the best selling album of all time with over 57 million copies being sold.

However, more than just that, it was a big turning point in pop music’s development. It completely redefined how you should present pop music to your audience with its vocals and asthetics.^[10]Manchester Evening News – A farewell to the King of Pop

‘Cause this is thriller
Thriller night
And no one’s gonna save you
From the beast about to strike
You know it’s thriller
Thriller night
You’re fighting for your life
Inside a killer thriller tonight, yeah
Ahahahahahahahaha
I’m gonna bring it tonight

In fact, the Library of Congress’ national Recording Registry included it in its record of significant music. In addition, the National Film Preservation Board included the music video in its National Film Registry due to to its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.